Omaha City (part 19 of 26)

George X. Aulabaugh was a lad of twelve years at the time of the arrival of the family in Omaha, where he continued his education in the public schools until he reached the age of sixteen. He then joined his father in the fur business, thoroughly acquainting himself with every branch of th,e trade relative to purchases and sales and in 1902 succeeded to his father'g, business. He is now conducting the store under his own name and'be has the highest class of trade, carrying a very extensive stock of all kinds of furs, which he manufactures into'salable goods. He is an excellent judge of the value of furs and his purchases are thus wisely and judiciously made, while the enterprise and close application which are characteristic of his business career constitute factors in his growing success.

On the 19th of June, 1901. in Salt Lake City, Utah, Mr. Aulabaugh was united in marriage to Miss Louise Evans. They have a son, Roger E. Mr. and Mrs. Aulabaugh are members of St. Mary's Avenue Congregational church and Mr. Aulabaugh gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He is identified with several social organizations, including the American Canoe Association, the Carter Lake Club and the Rotary Club. Well known in Omaha, where he has resided from his boyhood days, his life is as an open book which all may read and each chapter tells the story of continued progress and advancement not only along the lines of legitimate trade but in the regard of his fellowmen as well.

George C. Stovall

George C. Stovall, proprietor of the Hongkong Tea Company of Omaha, was l)orn March 28, 1873, in Hardin countv, Kentucky. His father Hezekiah H. Stovall, a native of the same state, was of English descent, and three generations of the family have resided in Kentucky. During his early life the father followed agricultural pursuits and for many years was connected with the Louisville Street Railway Company, during which period he made his home in Louisville. Espousing the cause of the Confederacy he served with the Sixth Kentucky

Mounted Infantry for years and eight months and was twice wounded in battle. He married Nancy M. Bailey, a native of Kentucky and a representative of one of its old families of English lineage. She died March 5, 1877, leaving a family of six children, of whom George C. is the fourth.

In the public schools of his native county George C. Stovall pursued his education. His early life was spent upon the home farm to the age of twelve years, and in 1885 he accepted his first outside employment, working on a farm, but he received practically nothing more than a living. He afterward was employed in various ways and in 1899 he came to Omaha, where he had his first experience along commercial lines. He entered into the retail tea and coffee business, beginning in a small way, and from this humble start he has developed one of the leading tea stores of Omaha. The business was established March i, 1899, by George C. Stovall and a younger brother. The partnership continued until January i, 191 7, since which time George C. Stovall has been sole proprietor. He handles an excellent grade of teas and coffees and his business has now reached extensive and gratifying proportions.

On the 31st of January, 1901, in Omaha, Mr. Stovall was married to Miss Grace Holmes, a native of Mercer county, Illinois, and a daughter of the late L. D. and Callie (Campbell) Holmes, who w'ere pioneer settlers of Omaha and prominent in the city. To Mr. and Mrs. Stovall have been born three children, but the eldest, Holmes, is now deceased. The others are George C. and I.ois Virginia.

Mr. Stovall and his wife are members of the Calvary Baptist church. His military record covers connection with the First Ohio Cavalry during the Spanish- American war, and he continued with his regiment until he was mustered out. In politics he is a Wilson democrat, believing firmly in the honesty of the policy, the sagacity and the diplomacy of the president. He stands for all those things which are progressive and helpful in citizenship. He started out in life a poor boy and in his business career has shown the force of industry, progressiveness and determination, for along those lines he has worked his way upward until his substantial success places him among the men of affluence in his city.

Oscar W. Johnson

Oscar W. Johnson, one of the highly respected and capable lawyers of Omaha who has come to the front by reason of studious habits, painstaking effort and loyalty to the interests which he senses, is now assistant attorney for the Conservative Saving & Loan Association. He was born in Sweden, November 24, 1877, a son of Johannes and Inga Larson, who were also natives of that country where they spent their entire lives. The father was a well known brick and stone mason who died in 1912 at the age of seventy years. His wife passed away in 1882. To this marriage were born three children : Frank F., the elder son. now living in Lucas county, Iowa ; and a girl who died while an infant.

In his boyhood days Oscar W. Johnson attended the graded schools of Sweden and in 1894, when a youth of seventeen years, came to the new world. He at once made his way to Omaha, where he secured employment and in 1897 he attended the business college conducted by Rohrbough Brothers. After being graduated from that school in 1898 he was employed at various vocations for two years, at the end of which time he matriculated in Creighton College and in 1904 obtained the junior degree. In 1904 he entered the employ of the Conservative Saving & Loan Association in the capacity of bookkeeper and in the fall of 1906 he began the study of law in night school, continuing his reading until he passed the state bar examination in 1909. He continued his connection with the Conserv^ative Saving & Loan Association and became assistant attorney for that company. He was admitted to practice in I9(x_) and in 1016 received his professional degree from the University of Omaha. In addition to his present professional connection he is a director of the Home Builders Association and the Hydraulic Signal Company of Omaha.

On the 6th of June, 1906, Air. Johnson was married to Miss Agda Katherina Berggren, a daughter of Carl A. Berggren, a pioneer settler of Plattsmouth, Nebraska. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have three children : Oscar Arvid Waldemar, born July 30, 1907; Edith Katherine, born August 13, 1910; and Carl Johan August, born April 11, 1915.

Mr. Johnson gives his political allegiance to the republican party. While of Swedish birth he has been practically a lifelong resident of Omaha, and in his business career has won his advancement through determined effort guided by sound judgment and prompted by laudable ambition.

Charles Carroll Belden

The trade interests of Omaha have developed in accordance with the most progressive commercial spirit and prominent in commercial circles is Charles Carroll Belden, president of Thompson, Belden & Company. At all times stimulated by laudable ambition, his close application and indefatigable energy have advanced him step by step until he now enjoys a most enviable reputation as one of the leaders in his line. A native of Ohio, Mr. Belden was born in Mesopotamia on the 5th of August, 1849, and is descended from an old New England family of Scotch-Irish origin. His grandfather. Harvey Belden, was born in Farmington, Massachusetts, and married Patty Bruce, a descendant of the family of the famous Robert Bruce, king of Scotland. Ozro H. Belden, father of C. C. Belden, was born in Farmington, Ohio, and was married in that state to Clara White. In 1854 they removed to Wisconsin, where they resided for five years and then returned to Mesopotamia, Ohio. The father spent his last'days in Arkansas, where he passed away, and his widow afterward became a resident of Omaha, where her death occurred March 2. 1907.

Charles C. Belden spent three and one-half years as a pupil in the district schools of Mesopotamia, Ohio. He was not quite fourteen when he entered a general store of that town, in which he "did everything that no one else wanted to do." He was thus employed for about three years and then, when the proprietor sold out in Mesopotamia and removed to Garrettsville, Ohio, where he established a store, Mr. Belden accompanied him. He remained in that connection for about seventeen years, during which time he gradually worked his way upward to positions of added responsibility and importance, finally becoming the junior partner of Bishop & Belden. On leaving Garrettsville about 1878 he went upon the road as a traveling salesman for E. M. McGillen & Company, a Cleveland dry goods firm, which he represented for about two and one-half years. He was then admitted to a partnership in the retail store of that firm at Youngstown, Ohio, where he spent about a year. He next went to Fremont, Ohio, and in partnership with Henry A. Thompson opened a retail dry goods store, in which he continued until 1886, when they removed the stock to Omaha, opening business at No. 1319 Farnam street. Three years later a removal was made to Sixteenth and Douglas streets in the Young Men's Christian Association building, and in 1905 the business was established at its present location on Howard and Sixteenth streets, in the Hoagland block. The business relations between Mr. Thompson and Mr. Belden have been maintamed for thirty-five years and throughout the entire period their connection has been most harmonious, making this one of the strongest mercantile combinations in Omaha.. Their store is attractive in its appointments and equipment and in the line of goods carried, while the utmost attention is paid to the personnel of the house and the character of service rendered the public.

On the cSth of Sei)tember, 1886, in (larrettsville, Ohio, Mr. Jk-ldcn was united in marriage to Miss Delia \ . Reed, her father being the late Thomas Reed, who was an Ohio soldier in the Civil war. To Mr. and Mrs. Belden have l)een born three children, as follows:' Carroll Reed, who was born August 14, 1S88, and on the 27th of December, 1913, in Madison, Wisconsin, wedded P^annie Brown; Carolyn Clare, whose birth occurred May 24, 1895, and who passed away on the 9th of August, 1897; and Adelma Reed, whose natal day was January 2, 1903, and who died October 11. 1904.

Mr. and Mrs. Uelden hold membership in St. Mary's Avenue Congregational church. His political endorsement is given to the republican party and he is a Master iMason. He belongs also to the Commercial Club, the University Club and the Happy Hollow Club. His is a character that has stood the test of long l)usiness association. Just in his judgments, fair and honorable in every relation, he commands the confidence and respect of all with whom he has been associated, while many he has drawn to him in ties of warm friendship.

Tohn F. Bloom

John I". lUoom, who is engaged in the monument business in Omaha, belongs to that class of men whose life histories are an illustration of the force of industry and determination in all the affairs of life. He was born in Sweden, .Vovember 2, 1854. His family were farming people of that country and his boyhood days were spent in the usual manner of farm lads in Sweden. He came to America in 1873, when a youth of nineteen years, and first settled in Burlington, Iowa, where he learned his trade. There he continued until 1877, \\hen he came to Omaha, but after a few days he returned to Iowa and in 1881 established business on his own account in Red Oak, Iowa, where he engaged in the monument business until 1897. He then engaged in the business in Council Blufts and after two and a half years removed to the present site of the Wellington Hotel in Omaha, there remaining until 1909, when he secured his present (juarters at the corner of Seventeenth and Cuming streets. He has today one of the linest monument houses of the middle west. His marble, granite and otiicr materials arc largely secured from Salisbury, North Carolina, Barre, Vermont and Quincy, Massachusetts, although he miports some from Scotland and Sweden and imports statuary from Italy. He carries a very fine stock, using thoroughl}- up-to-date cutting machines, and has a sand blasting machine with which to cut letters in granite. In fact there is no equipment known to a first class establishment of this character that is not found in his place. Aside from manufacturing monuments he builds mausoleums, notable among which is the Guy Barton mausoleum. He was also the maker of the Herman Kountz monument, the Captain Marsh monument and many others of the finest to be seen in the cemeteries of this section of the country, unsurpassed by any to be found in America. He employs sculptors as well as stone and granite cutters and he receives patronage from Wyoming and many other states. He occupies a building sixty-six by one hundred feet, with brick and stone trimmings. It is an artistic structure, being a real ornament to the city.

In 1883 Mr. Bloom was married to Miss Emma Anderson, also a native of Sweden, whence she was brought to the new world by her parents in 1879 at the age of thirteen years. They resided for a time in Iowa and then removed to Saunders county, Nebraska. The children of this marriage are: Alvin F. and J. Roy, who are connected with their father in business; Inez, at home; Carl, engaged in the insurance business in Milwaukee ; and Marie, who is attending school at Ann Arbor. Michigan. Alvin F. married Irene Tetard and J. Roy wedded Ina Beselin.

John F. Bloom

mandery and shrine and his life exempHfies the principles of the craft in its teachings concerning mutual helpfulness and hrotheriy kindness. Starting out empty handed, seeking his fortune through the opportunities offered in the new world, he has gradually advanced, keeping in touch with all the latest practical and artistic improvements in the business, until today he is at the head of an establishment scarcely equaled and unsurpassed in his section of the country.

Frank Schlinger

Frank Schlinger, a member of the firm of Olsen & SchHnger, brass founders of Omaha, was born October i8, 1879, in Zwittau, Austria. His father, Frank Schlinger, a native of the same country, was a successful farmer who lived and died in Austria. He wedded Mary Tast, who was likewise born in Austria and now resides in Omaha. She came to America with a family of four children in 1892 and made her way direct to this city.

Frank Schlinger was educated in the parish schools of his native country and in the schools of Omaha, but when thirteen years of age started out to earn his own living and served an apprenticeship at the printers' trade, which he followed for five years. He then learned the brass moulders' trade and was employed by Wearne Brothers, pioneer iron moulders. Eventually he entered into partnership with Mr. Olsen and the present firm of Olsen &- Schlinger was established. They have since developed their business to large proportions and employ on an average six skilled workmen, their output being sold to the local jobbers trade.

On the 17th of May, 1906, Mr. Schlinger was married to Miss Annie Kramer, a native of Iowa, who was reared, however, in Nebraska City. Her parents were Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Kramer, the latter now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Schlinger have become the parents of three children, .F.rjtnk, Theresa and Rosie.

Politically Mr. Schlinger is a democrat and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day and does not seek nor desire office. His has been a well spent life in which he has concentrated his efforts upon his daily duties, and the careful management of his business affairs is bringing well merited success.

Henry F. Hamann

Henry F. Hamann, president of the Leavenworth Laundry Company, was born in Germany in 1848 and is a son of Christian Henry Frederick and Dorothea (Clemant) Hamann, who were also natives of the fatherland. Mr. Hamann took up carpentering and followed that trade until his death. Both he and his wife spent their entire lives in Germany and there reared their family of six sons, of whom Henry F. was the fourth. Three of his brothers, Christian F., Frederick C. and William F., also became residents of Omaha, but the first named is now deceased.

After attending school in Germany, Henry F. Hamann devoted three years to the business of florist and gardener. Later, in 1867, he took up the carpenter's trade, and in 1870 he crossed the Atlantic with his brother. Christian F., to America, making his way direct to Omaha, where he secured a position at the carpenter's trade. In May, 1871, he went to Chicago and was there during the fire of October, 1871, and became active in the rebuilding of the city, working at his trade there until 1873. He then returned to Omaha and took up carpentering as an employe of the Union Pacific Railway Company and subsequently joined his brother, William F., in a contracting business. They erected many residences and were active in that line until i<S94, wlien Henry F. Hamann established a hand laundry in connection with a partner. In 1895, however, he bought his partner's interest and continued in the business on his own account. His trade rapidly grew and developed, necessitating larger quarters, which he secured in the erection of his present building in 1914. The plant was completed and fully equipped as a model laundry and is one of the best managed in the city, meriting the patronage of particular housewives because its methods insure that clothes will be returned in a perfectly clean and sanitary condition. The Leavenworth Laundry is not only a business but is an institution of twenty-three years' standing and has made for itself a high place in the city's industries by a sen-ice that is entirely satisfactory. Scientific methods have been applied to the care of articles handled, so that there is very little wear and tear on the clothes. Mr. Hamann and his son give personal direction to the business and have developed it to a high point of perfection. The laundry building is large, hght, airy and sanitary in every particular and the methods pursued are well nigh faultless.

In August, 1874, Mr. Hamann was married to J\Iiss Agatha M. Stahl, whose parents were natives of Germany. They also came to Omaha in 1881, both having since passed away. Nine children have been born of this marriage, but six of these, as also a son-in-law, have passed away. Those still living are as follows : Henrietta H., who was born at Omaha in 1878, was married in 1904 to Rev. Henry J. C. Gerland, a Lutheran minister at Pueblo, Colorado. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry H. Gerland, were residents of Chicago, where the father was assistant roadmaster of the Lake Shore Railroad. Rev. and Mrs. Gerland became the parents of a son, Herbert Henry, who is now a pupil in the German Lutheran school at Twenty-fifth and Evans streets, in Omaha. Mrs. Gerland and her son have resided in Omaha since the death of the husband and father, which occurred in 1905. The second daughter, Mayme, born in 1884, resided in Omaha up to the time of her marriage with George A. Meyer, of Birmingham, Alabama. They are at present making their home at Dallas. Texas. The son. Martin L. Hamann, who was born in 1890. attended the German Lutheran school of Omaha, as did his sister, and following his graduation therefrom attended the Omaha high school, where he completed a course, since which time he has been associated with his father in business.

The family are communicants of the German Lutheran church and are people of genuine worth, enjoying the high regard of many with whom they are associated. Henry F. Hamann has worked his way upward from a humble start and is now the head of a growing and profitable business which figures prominently among the industries of the city.

William Henry Indoe

William Henry Indoe. working his way upward in insurance circles, has since 1905 been general agent for the State Mutual Life Assurance Company in Omaha. He was born in Granger, Ohio, on April 12. 1874. a son of John H. Indoe. who was Ijorn in Somersetshire, England, on the 17th of July, 1850. His father died in England, after which the widowed mother came with her son John to the United States in 1868, the family home being established in Granger. Ohio, where Mr. Indoe still makes his home. He has long devoted his time and energies to agricultural pursuits and he gives his political allegiance to the prohibition party, being a stalwart advocate of the cause of temperance. He married Elizabeth H. Hoddinott, a native of England, whose father died on the ocean while en route to the United States about 1865. She survives and is with her husband at Granger.

William H. Indoe

education, while later he was graduated from Baldwin University at Berea, Ohio, in 1898. He afterward spent a year in Detroit, Michigan, and then went to Akron, Ohio, where he became agent for the State Mutual Life Assurance Company of Worcester, Massachusetts. Since that time he has gradually advanced in the insurance business and in 1905 was made general agent for the company at Omaha. During the intervening period of twelve years he has thoroughly organized the business in the territory over which he has jurisdiction and has developed the patronage of the company to large proportions.

On the 28th of June, 1900, in Cleveland, Ohio, Mr. Indoe was united in marriage to Miss Faith W. Watson, her father being David Watson, who was a soldier in the 'Civil war. Mr. and Mrs. Indoe have two daughters, Kathryn E. and Alice F. Mr. and Mrs. Indoe hold membership in the First Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which they are actively and helpfully interested, Mr. Indoe serving now on the official board. He votes with the republican party and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. Fraternally he is connected wdth the Knights of Pythias and with the Elks and he belongs also to the Commercial Club. He has been honored with office in the first named organization and is a past commander of Nebraska Lodge, No. i, K. P., at Omaha. His life has been one of earnest and untiring effort in the field of business and at the same time he stands for everything that is for the good of the community, his cooperation being a salient force in general advancement and improvement.

Newton L. Grubbs

Thrown on his own resources at the early age of thirteen years and coming to an early realization of the fact that: industry, determination and perseverance are invincible factors in the struggle to obtain succe.$S, Newton L. Grubbs, of the firm of Grubbs & Co., wagon manufacturers, machinists and horseshoers, has advanced step by step until he stands today as one of the leaders in his line of business in South Omaha. He started out in his present undertaking twenty years ago in a very modest way, and as his trade grew and developed he sought larger quarters, at first purchasing a lot on L street, off the main thoroughfare, on which a small shed stood. In that place he continued to do business for a short time but his thorough methods and reliability brought about a constant increase in his trade, rendering his quarters too small for the requirements of the business. He accordingly sought more space and purchased an additional lot on which he erected a substantial two-story building one hundred by one hundred and fifty feet. In this he is now carrying on his business, but already he feels the demand for larger quarters and is now contemplating additional improvements that will give him more room. His business at the present writing is the third largest in Greater Omaha and o'ertops all the others of a similar character in South Omaha combined.

Because of what he has accomplished through individual effort, the life record of Newton L. Grubbs is an interesting one. He was born in Tama county, Iowa, July 6, 1873, a son of Isaac L. and Mary Jane (Grubbs) Grubbs. His parents, though of the same name, were not related, although both were born near La Fayette, Indiana, and in that locality were reared, educated and married. When they were at the age of twenty-one and twenty-two years respectively they removed to Carroll county, Iowa, where the father became connected with the bee industry, raising and selling colonies of bees and also dealing in honey. He was one of the first to engage in that line in his section of the country and so capably and successfully did he manage his interests that he accumulated a very gratifying and desirable competency, remaining a resident of Carroll county until his death, which occurred in February, 1910, when he had reached the age of eighty years. His wiff- died in Carroll county in 1 881. at the age of forty-five years.

In their family were ten children, of whom Newton L. Grubbs was the youngest. He attended the public schools of Carroll county until his thirteenth year, when he started out to i)rovide for his own support, working along various lines until he reached his nineteenth year. Being strong and of powerful physique, he concluded to learn the machinist's and blacksmith's trade and horseshoeing and after completing his apprenticeship continued to work along those lines in Iowa until 1897, when he came to Douglas county and secured employment with Watson Brothers of Omaha. He remained with that firm for a time and then secured a more remunerative position with John S. Cooper & Company of Chicago, who were conducting business in South Omaha as dealers at the horse market at the National Stock Yards. He represented that firm for three and one-half years but 1904 decided to start in business for himself and secured a location on Twenty-fifth street, where he rented property. He there remained until 1909, when, as previously stated, he purchased a lot on L street, on which was the small building that was the predecessor of his present large establishment. From the beginning his patronage has steadily grown and today his business interests are in a highly flourishing condition, the volume of his trade enabling him to employ eleven expert workmen, mechanics and horseshoers, more than all the other firms of a similar line in the entire city of South Omaha.

On the 29th of July, 1903, at Council Blufit's, Mr. Grubbs was married to Miss Anna Comstock, who was born in Peru, Nebraska, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Comstock. Her mother died in 1900, but her father is still living at the age of seventy. He came to Nebraska when fifteen years old and cast in his lot with the pioneer settlers, purchasing a farm near Peru, which he operated many years. He is now living retired at Peru and his residence in the state covers 55 years, having been one of the early settlers.

Mr. and Mrs. Grubbs hold membership in the Presbyterian church and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He holds to high standards in matters of citizenship. He is a splendid specimen of physical manhood and fond of all kinds of athletics, in connection with which he has attended some of the notable athletic events in this part of the country. He has a wide acquaintance and high regard is entertained for him by all who know him.

Burt B. Blanchard

Burt B. Blanchard, secretary of the Lee Live Stock Commission Company of South Omaha, was born at Stuart, Adair county, Iowa, April 5, 1874. His father, M. F. Blanchard, a native of Vermont, belonged to one of the old families of that state of English descent. He became a resident of Omaha in October, 1886, and for fifteen years was extensively engaged in the live stock commission business, being among the leading stock dealers of the city at that time. For the past ten years, however, he has lived retired and is now a resident of St. Joseph, Missouri. In politics a republican, he was active in political circles in South Omaha and at one time served as a member of the city council. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Davis, is a native of Maryland and of Scotch lineage. By her marriage she became the mother of three children : Lute, now a live stock commission merchant of St. Joseph, Missouri; Anna, the wife of A. E. Anderson, engaged in the live stock commission business in Omaha; and Burt B.

The last named, following the removal of the family to South Omaha, became a pupil in the public schools and when fourteen years of age started out to provide for his own support. He was first employed in connection with the business of his father and his uncle, J. B. Blanchard, thus serving his apprenticeship and thoroughly acquainting himself with every phase of the live stock business. He also served for ten years as yard man for the Omaha stock yards and since has been actively engaged in the line with which he is still connected. In 1908 he became a member of the Lee Live Stock Commission Company and in 1915 was elected to the office of secretary, which position he has since successfully and capably filled, his previous thorough experience and training well qualifying him for the conduct of the important duties which now devolve upon him.

At South Omaha, on the 28th of November, 1902, Mr. Blanchard was married to Miss Laura Murphy, a native of Omaha and a daughter of Mrs. Ann Murphy, who is one of the pioneer residents, having made her home in Omaha for the past fifty years. Air. and Mrs. Blanchard have two children, Mark and Pauline. In politics he maintains an independent course and fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. Dependent upon his own resources from the age of fourteen years, he has justly earned the proud American title of a self-made man and his creditable business record may well serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to others.

Fred A. Castle

Fred A. Castle, proprietor of Hotel Castle at Omaha, one of the large and well appointed hostelries of the city, which he opened on the 15th of March, 191 5. has for a number of years been identified with hotel interests. He was born in Ashtabula, Ohio, April 4, 1869. His father, Henry B. Castle, also a native of Ashtabula, was born in 1825 and at the time of the Civil war he served in the navy for three years. In his native city he wedded Christy Morrison, who was born in Scotland and who survives, but the father passed away in 1906.

In the schools of Ashtabula Fred A. Castle pursued his education from the age of six to that of sixteen years and he also attended Oberlin College at Oberlin, Ohio. For a time he was a student in the Western Reserve Medical College at Cleveland, Ohio, but did not complete his course there. In 1898 he came to Omaha, where he was engaged in the life insurance business until 1909, when he leased the Her Grand Hotel, which he conducted for five years. He then began the erection of the Castle Hotel, which he opened on the 15th of March, 1915, and such has been its success that on the first of October, 1916, an addition containing one hundred and fifty rooms was opened. This is the second largest hotel in the state of Nebraska and is very popular with the traveling; pubHc, Mr. Castle's experience teaching him what is demanded in hotel service, and many of these demands he anticipates.

In Franklin. Indiana, on the lOth of August, 1907, Air. Castle was united in marriage to Miss Georgia Shryock and to them has been born a son, Frederick A. Fraternally Mr. Castle is a York and a Scottish Rite Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to the Elks lodge and he has membershij) connections with the Athletic Club of Omaha and with the Commercial Club. He is a very progressive business man, a typical representative of the spirit of the age, and his well directed powers have brought him into prominent connections.

Peter Melchiors

Peter Alelchiors began his independent career without capital and without influential friends, and, moreover, was handicapped by the fact that he was in a strange land. However, he was quick to recognize and utilize the opportunities ofiFered to an enterprising young man in this country, and he has built up a large trade as the owner of a machine shop and garage, which is now being managed by his son. A native of Germany he was born in Trier, in the Rhine Province of Prussia, on the 13th of Tune, 1858. He received his education in the fatherland and remained there until he was twenty-two years old, when in

1880, he came to America and at once made his way to Omaha. He was employed as a machinist for various firms until 1891, when he established a business of that character of his own. As time passed his trade increased so that he had to enlarge his shop, and removal was made from the hrst location at Fourteenth and Leavenworth streets to Fourteenth and Howard. He was associated in business for some time with Joseph Davis and Robert Sanderson, but in 1898 severed that connection and, in partnership with his son, established a shop on the corner of Thirteenth and Howard. Later he erected a building around the corner on Howard street, and there the business is still being carried on. The equipment is complete and thoroughly modern and machine work of all kinds is done. There is also a garage department and this is likewise well patronized. Fmployment is furnished to fifteen men continuously and the shop IS one of the modei-n enterprises of its character in the city. Mr. Melchiors is now leaving its active management to his son.

On New Year's Day, 1882, in Omaha, occurred the marriage of Mr. Melchiors and Miss Katherine Marx, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Baptiste Marx, pioneers of Omaha, both of whom have passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Melchiors have been bom two children. The son, Ferdinand J., was born in Omaha, October 10, 1883, attended the public schools and later took a course in night school. When fourteen years old he began learning the machinist's trade and has devoted his life to work of that kind, being now vice president of the lirm of Peter Melchiors & Son, and the manager of the machine shop and garage. He was married in Omaha, May 15, 1908, to Miss Elizabeth Fruehwirth, a native of St. Paul, Minnesota, and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Fruehwirth, now residents of Omaha. To this union has been born a son, Ferdinand Peter, whose birth occurred in Omaha March 13, 1910, and who is now attending school. Mr. Melchiors' only daughter, Charlotte, was born in Omaha in 1888 and received her education in her native city.

Mr. Melchiors supports the candidates of the Republican party at the polls, but his business interests have never left him sufficient time to take an active part in politics. Fraternally he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Elks, and both within and without these organizations -he is deservedly popular. His salient qualities are determination, industry and sound common sense, characteristics which go far toward insuring success in any line of endeavor.

Arthur Register Wells

Arthur Register Wells, a member of the Omaha bar practicing as a partner in the firm of Stout, Rose & Wells, was born in Corning, Iowa, December 1, 1873. His ancestry is traced back in direct line to Thomas Welles, who came from England and settled in Connecticut in 1636. Anson W^ells, grandfather of Arthur R. Wells, was born in Madison county. New York, and passed away in Cattaraugus county, that state, in 1888. The father, Arthur Lee Wells, was born in Madison county, New York, in 1838, and in 1867 removed westward to Iowa, settling in Adams county, where he married Lucina Register, whose father was Dr. Joseph Hatfield Register, a pioneer Iowa physician who settled in that state in 1859. Arthur Lee Wells was an attorney who practiced law at Corning, Iowa, to the lime of his death in 1901, when he was sixty-three years of age. He was a graduate of the Hillsdale (Mich.) College and he gained a prominent position at the Iowa bar.

In the acquirement of his education Arthur Register W^ells attended successively the public schools of Corning, Princeton College, from which he was graduated with the Bachelor of Arts degree in 1895, and the Iowa State University, in which he became a law student. He was admitted to the bar in May, 1896, upon examination before the supreme court of Iowa and located for practice in Coming, where he remained until 1907. He then came to Omaha and was connected with the law department of the Chicago, Burlington & Ouincy Railroad Company until March, 191 3, when he resumed private practice as a member of the firm of Stout, Rose & Wells. This firm is regarded as one of the strongest and most capable at the Omaha bar and during his connection therewith Mr. Wells has demonstrated his ability to successfully handle important and complex litigation.

On the 28th of April, 1897, in Corning, Iowa, Mr. Wells was united in marriage to Miss Helen Wilson, a daughter of the late John Bruce Wilson. They have one son, Theodore Arthur, born March 12, 1907. Politically Mr. Wells is a republican but without ambition in the line of office holding. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church and he is identified with several fraternal and social organizations. In Masonry he has become a Knight Templar and member of the Mystic Shrine. He holds membership with the Sons of the Revolution, with the Commercial Club, the University Club and the Happy Hollow Club. Of a family conspicuous for strong intellects, indomitable courage and energy, he entered upon his career as a lawyer and such is his force of character and natural qualification that he has attained a most creditable position at the Omaha bar.

Fred W. Anheuser

Fred W. Anheuser, city prosecutor of Omaha, and one of Omaha's most prominent young attorneys, was born at St. Augustine, Florida, April 16, 1884, and is a son of Julius and Ellen (McCotter) Anheuser, the former a native of Germany and the latter a native of South Carolina, representing an old South Carolina family of Scotch-Irish descent. The paternal relatives were the founders of the Anheuser-Busch Brewing Association, of St. Louis, Missouri. To the same family belongs Lieutenant General August Anheuser, one of the leading officers of the German army, now in charge of the Baden troops. To this family also belongs Marie Anheuser, who became the wife of Dr. Paul Zache, one of the court physicians at Berlin, and Lilly Anheuser the wife of Judge Otto Mangelsdorf, a noted jurist holding a life position at Cologne, Germany. Julius Anheuser came to America in 1863 settling first in St. Louis, Missouri, wdiere he engaged in the banking business until 1878. He then removed to Savannah, Georgia, where he took up general merchandising and also entered the cotton business. In 1882 he removed to Florida, where he again carried on general merchandising, and in 1898 he became a resident of Baltimore, Maryland, where he was associated with the Anheuser-Busch Brewing Association, of St. Louis, Missouri. In 1904, he arrived in Omaha, where the family have since made their home, he being with the Anheuser-Busch Company of Nebraska. During his residence in Florida he was active in politics and is a stanch democrat. His wife died in Omaha, April 5, 1913, at the age of forty-nine years. In the family were ten children, of whom four are yet living : Fred W. ; Amalia, a teacher of German in the Omaha schools; Julie, who is vice principal of the high school at Hubbard, Nebraska; and Anna, who is attending the Sacred Heart school.

Fred W. Anheuser was educated in the public and high schools of St. Augustine, Florida, from which he graduated in 1898, and in the Franklin University of Baltimore, Maryland, also the University of Maryland and Creighton University of Omaha, in which he pursued his last year's work in preparation for the bar. He was admitted to practice in June. 1905, at which time he was the youngest attorney in the United States, being barely twenty-one years of age. He at once entered upon the active work of the profession, which he has since continued, with increasinij success, lie has given his attention to general practice and is accorded a liberal clientage. In June, 1916, Mr. Anheuser was appointed city prosecutor of Omaha by Mayor Dahlnian and is now serving his second term in this capacity.

On the 30th of June, 1914. in Omaha, Nebraska, Mr. Anheuser was united in marriage to Miss Kathryn Van Lome, a native of Butler county, Nebraska, and a daughter of the late Andrew and Margaret (Wolf) Van Lome, who were among the earliest settlers of Nebraska. Mr. and Mrs. Anheuser are well known in Omaha, where he has lived since his student days, and in the practice of his profession his advancement has been contintious. He chose as a life work a calling in which progress depends entirely upon individual effort and merit and he has now gained a creditable place as an able lawyer.

Joseph Hayden

Joseph Hayden sj^ent liis early life in Wisconsin, where his parents settled in the pioneer days of that state, amid the scenes and circumstances incident to frontier life.

After leaving school, he engaged in the mercantile business, first in Wisconsin and later going to Chicago, where he acquired a knowledge of business affairs, which later contrilmted to his success. In 1887, he came to Omaha, where he is the head of an estaljlishment known beyond state lines.

He early acquired a taste for travel, making three trips around the world. which has made him an eye witness of the ways of life and the manners and customs of men of all classes and in every clime.

He has never sought nor accepted a political jiosition, and recently he has refused to consider an appointment on the federal tariff' commission, which is regarded among the most desirable of federal appointments, and for which his extensive travels and knowledge of merchandise qualifies him.

F. F. A. Wellman

F. F. A. Wellman is junior partner in the firm of Bliss & Wellman, a live stock commission company with offices in the Exchange building in South Omaha. Actuated by a spirit of laudable ambition, he has persistently and consecutively worked his way upward, utilizing his opportunities to the best possible advantage. He was born at Magnolia, Iowa, on the ist of March, 1874, and is a son of Luke E. and Hulda (Jarvis) Wellman, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of Iowa. At an early period in the settlement and development of the latter state Luke E. Wellman removed from New England to the middle west, taking up his abode near Waterloo, Iowa, where he engaged in farming. In the latter part of 1874 he removed to Colfax county, Nebraska, and there homesteaded, after which he converted a tract of virgin prairie into richly developed fields to which he added many modern improvements. Complying with the laws concerning occupancy and cultivation, he at length secured his title and for many years remained a resident of Colfax. Later, however, he took up his abode in Schuyler, Nebraska, where he has since been actively engaged in the live stock business, building up a business of substantial and gratifying proportions. He is now sixty-seven years of age, while his wife has reached the age of sixty-six. She was born, educated and married in Iowa and she has become the mother of three children : F. F. A. ; Nellie, now the

The first named began his education in the country schools, walking two miles to the little schoolhouse, many times traversing that distance in the dead of winter through storms of snow or hail. During the historic blizzard of 1888 the thermometer dropped very low, ranging many degrees below zero. He and three other boys who also lived at a considerable distance from the school, fearing that they might freeze to death before they could reach their homes while the blizzard was raging, decided to remain in the schoolroom, over night. Most of the smaller children remained also with the three larger boys. These three boys took turns in going out to the coal shed for coal to keep the fire burning until the next morning. Thev had to crawl on hands and knees, feeling with bare hands in the snow for the grass on either side of the path to keep from losing their way. This and various other experiences, many of them of arduous nature, tatight Mr. Wellman how to take care of himself and developed in him self-reliance and resourcefulness A.fter completing hi.s studies in the little log schoolhouse he continued his education in the city schools of Howells, Nebraska, where he was obliged to work before and after school hours. Eventually he became a student in the normal school at Lincoln, Nebraska, where he remained for a year. He first received remuneration for his services while working for a man by the name of Ben Pont on the farm. He remained with him for a short time, after which he obtained a better position with the Crow Lumber & Grain Company, with main offices at Blair, Nebraska. although the company had branches in various parts of the state. Mr. Wellman was stationed at Howells, Nebraska, and remained in the employ of that firm for between two and three years. He then came to Omaha and secured a position with the Joseph Bliss Live Stock Commission Company at the Union Stock Yards, at forty dollars a month. That he proved capable, efficient, and faithful is indicated in the fact that his salary was raised from forty dollars to two hundred and fifty dollars per month. He continued with Mr. Bliss for nine years and within that period saved considerable money. At length he' decided that he would engage in a business of his own, for he felt that if others cOukl profit by his labors, he might do the same. He then joined forces with F. C. Bliss, a nephew of his former employer, and they invested their savings in the establishment of a business on the /th of July, 1907. They have since become prominently known in the live stock market as the Bliss- Wellman Commission Company and through able management and honorable methods their business has constantly grown until it is one of the largest and strongest managed by any live stock commission firm in the Exchange building. Both partners in the company are men who hold to high standards and they enjoy to the fullest extent the confidence and regard of colleagues and contemporaries. They handle on an average three million five hundred thousand dollars worth of live stock per month, their business having thus reached mammoth proportions.

On the 24th of December, 1902, at West Point, Nebraska, Mr. Wellman married Miss Katherine Long, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Long of that place, who were early pioneer settlers of Cuming county, Nebraska. The father of Mrs. W^ellman is now deceased, but the mother yet survives. For a considerable period Mrs. Wellman's parents were actively engaged in farming in this state but later retired, moving to West Point. Mr. and Mrs. Wellman have two children : Roland F., born in Omaha in 1904: and Ralph, who was born in 1900. Both are now in school.

Fraternally Mr. Wellman is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Illinois Commercial Men's Association. While he usually votes with the republican party, he is not an active worker in its ranks, jireferring always to concentrate his attention and energies upon his business interests, which have been capably directed. He proved his worth to the firms by which he was employed and gradually advanced step by step until he was able to start out independently. He has always correctly valued life's opportunities, never placing his dependence upon chance but utilizing indefatigable industry as the basis for his success. The business which the firm of Bliss & Wellman controls is now most gratifying and stands as the visible evidence of the intelligently directed effort of !\Ir. Wellman and his partner.

Mr. Wellman has always been a cheerful giver. Hundreds of his friends have personal occasion to remember his cheerful generosity. On one cold evening he found a poorly-clad newsboy shivering at Fifteenth and Harney streets.

"Boy, you look cold," said Mr. W'ellman, "Come in here with me." He led the lad into a clothing store and there fitted him out with a new corduroy suit.

Mr. Wellman is especially fond of horses, having been a horse fancier all his life. For years in Omaha he drove among the fastest and finest pacers to be found. When automobiles began to displace horses on the streets, he clung to his pacers for several years. At last he could resist the auto craze no longer, and he bought a car. In a year he traded that in and bought a second and larger car. But even though he drove cars, he would not part with his horses, but kept from two to three blooded animals in the barn all the time, even though he had to buy high-priced feed for them, and had to go to the trouble every few days to hitch them to the sulky and give them an outing.

Swan Larson

Swan Larson, proprietor of the Nebraska Artificial Stone Manufacturing Company of South Omaha and one of the influential men of that prosperous community, was born in Sweden, May 6, 1868, his parents being Lars and Bothilda Pearson, who were also natives of the same country, where the family was well known and prominent. During the early period of his married life the father there engaged in farming and afterward occupied a number of positions of honor and trust in connection with the community and general government. He was elected commissioner and later by appointment held government positions, becoming an influential factor in the political life of Sweden. He there attained a very venerable age, passing away in 1914, when he had reached the eightyeighth milestone on life's journey. For some time he survived his wife, who died in 1901 at the age of seventy-five years. In their family were six children: Professor Peter Larson, Ostberg, now teaching in the high school at Rinkaby, Sweden; James, living in America; Celia, Bettie and Hannah, all of Sweden; and Swan, who was the fourth in order of birth.

After attending the public schools of his native country Swan Larson continued with his parents for two years and when a youth of eighteen started out to seek his fortune in America, having heard much concerning golden opportunities offered on this side the Atlantic. He made the long voyage and then crossed the continent to South Omaha, where he arrived in the early part of 1887. He had practically no knowledge of the English language and his worldly possessions included but five dollars. There was no one in this country whom he might call friend, for he was a stranger and alone. He possessed, however, a stout heart and willing hands and he determined that success should be his if it could be honorably attained through indefatigable effort. It was on Sunday that he reached South Omaha and that day he found a lodging place. He retired early that night and arose early the next morning in order to start out on a search for employment. He made his way to the plant of the Hammond Packing Company, then the pioneer packers of the stock yards district, and applied for a position,' which he secured. He did everything in his power to please his employers and his faithfulness, capability and fidelity won him immediate recognition, followed by promotion from time to time. At the end of three years he was not only receiving an excellent salary but was regarded as one of the most trusted employes of the Hammond Company. He later went to work for the Omaha Packing Company and was afterward with the Swift Packing Company. He worked in all in this way for nine years, with the loss of practically no time, and he then decided to start out for himself, feeling that he had earned a sufficient sum to justify this step. He had incurred no indebtedness and he continued to prosper in his business venture for ten years. On the expiration of that period he was prevailed upon to accept a nomination for office and disposed of his business. In the following election he was chosen a member of the city council from the first ward of South Omaha and was afterward made its president, which position he filled for two years or from 1908 until 19 10. On the expiration of this term he declined to again accept the office, preferring to return to active business. It was then that he purchased the artificial stone business which has since been conducted under the name of the Nebraska Artificial Stone Company. Under his guidance this has proven a profitable undertaking, steadily growing as the result of his careful control. It has become an important plant, manufacturing in large quantities, and in fact it is numbered among the leading productive industries of South Omaha.

On the loth of February, 1898, Mr. Larson was married to Miss Christina Anderson, of Omaha, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Anderson, who were natives of Sweden. The two children of this marriage are : Clifford, born in April, 1900; and George, born in July, 1902. Both are attending the public schools.

Mr. Larson gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is one of the active workers in its ranks. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Sons of Vikings and the Stags and is popular in these various organizations. He v/as one of the organizers of the company that built the Swedish Auditorium of Omaha, one of the leading buildings of the city, and at all times he has been actuated by a public-spirited devotion to the general good. In fact he has been one of the leaders in the upbuilding and improvement of the city throughout the entire period of his residence here and is regarded as a most influential man and valuable citizen. He certainly deserves much credit for what he has accomplished in a business way. Starting out in life empty handed, he has achieved success through indefatigable effort and close application. He has never allowed himself to become discouraged by adverse circumstances and steadily, step by step, he has climbed to success, winning not only the material results of his labors but also the respect, confidence and goodwill of all with whom he has been brought in contact.

Patrick T. Sheehy

One of the prominent representatives of the packing house industry in South Omaha is Patrick J. Sheehy, who is connected with the Cudahy interests, which constitute a most real factor in the progress and growth of the city through contribution to the development of the packing business at this point. Mr. Sheehy was born in Ireland, March 10, 1859, and is a son of John J. and Nora (Griffin) Sheehy, who were born, reared and educated in Ireland. There they were married and continued to reside until called to the home beyond. The father was a prosperous farmer there to the time of his death, which occurred in 1865. His widow long survived him and passed away in Ireland in 1906.

Patrick T- Sheehy is the only survivor of their family of four children. In early life he attended the schools of Ireland and after his texthooks were put aside he engaged in railroading in his native land, but thinking to enjoy better business opportunities in the new world, he crossed the Atlantic in 1876 and located in Chicago, where he secured employment in connection with the packing house interests. He remained in that city until i.SSj, when he came to Omaha as representative of the Cudahy Packing Company, which at that time was erecting its plant here. He has been with this company for thirty years, during which period he has worked his way up through various departments until at the present writing he holds the resjx)nsible position of general superintendent of the large interests of the company at this point. He is one of the most trusted representatives of what is today one of the largest beef, pork and mutton packing plants in the world. He thoroughly understands every phase of the business and his increasing ability has brought him prominently to the front in connection with a business that constitutes a salient feature in the continued growth and progress of South Omaha. In addition to his other interests Mr. Sheehy is president of the Commercial Building & Loan Association of South Omaha.

In Chicago, on the 19th of April, 1885. Mr. Sheehy was married to Miss Alice Cregan, a daughter of John and Mary Cregan, of that city. There are five children of this marriage. Thomas F., who was born in Chicago in July, 1887, is a graduate of the Omaha high school and is married and has one child, Warren, born in Omaha. Mary, born August i, 1889, is also a graduate of the Omaha high school and the Nebraska State Normal School at Kearney. She is now the wife of Roy Bernard Condon and has one child. Richard. Dr. Joseph P. Sheehy, born in Omaha in 1891. was graduated from the high school and from the Creighton Medical College and is now practicing his profession in Omaha. Cyril E., born in 1896, is also a high school graduate and is now studying in Creighton University. Alice, born in October, 1899, was graduated from St. Joseph's Academy with the class of 1915-

The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church and Mr. Sheehy belongs to the Knights of Columbus. He also has membership in the Royal Arcanum, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Maccabees. His political support is given to the republican party. Actuated by laudable ambition, Mr. Sheehy came to the new world empty handed when a young man. He determined that success should be his if it could be won through earnest and persistent efifort and he has gained his advancement through personal mefit. He has never been afraid that he would give to his employers more service than he was paid for. He has worked diligently and persistently and the recognition of his fidelity has come to him in various promotions till he stands today in his present enviable position as superintendent of the Cudahy interests in South Omaha.

Robert C. Strehlow. an Omaha builder whose skill and ability have found tangible expression in some of the finest structures of the city, was born in Germany in 1862 and there learned the trade of carpenter and builder. He had reached the age of eighteen years when in 1880 he came to the new world and took up the work of contracting and building in Cleveland. Ohio. He was subsequently engaged in Iowa and in South Dakota, carrying on extensive and important bvisiness interests of that character.

In 1886 Mr. Strehlow arrived in Omaha, where he took up contract work. He first built five houses and stores at Thirteenth and \'inton streets and afterward erected a residence at Thirty-eighth and Charles streets for his own use. He had the contract for the first building for the Trans-^NIississippi exposition held in Omaha, also the contract for the Manufacturers building and many others. He then began putting up property for himself, among his first being the Majestic apartments, a large structure containing twenty-two modern apartments. He next built the Strehlow apartments, containing twenty-eight different apartments, and then the Roland with its accommodations for thirty families. He next built the Margaret with twenty-one apartments, and all these buildings are thoroughly modern. The Majestic, Strehlow and Roland are all built around a beautiful courtway with green lawn adorned with fountains and flowers. There is also a tennis court, a playground for the children and a community house which is always open, containing reading room, billiard room, dance hall and other facilities for community amusement. There is also a fine garage for the use of tenants and his property has transformed unsightly vacancies into beautiful residence districts. In addition to the apartment buildings already mentioned Mr. Strehlow has built several houses in South Omaha. He had the contract for erecting the government building and other large buildings at the Pan- American Exposition in Buffalo and his contracts for work at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition at St. Louis amounted to a million dollars. He built the Festival Llall and other prominent buildings and also the Cascades, one of the most beautiful features of that exposition. Mr. Strehlow received, in recognition of his masterful work, a gold medal from the exposition. At the Panama exposition at San Francisco he built all the courts, cascades, sunken gardens and also the ornament work and he also received a gold medal from that exposition. His work has made him widely known throughout the country until he now enjoys a national reputation.

In 1895 Mr. Strehlow was married to Miss Anna Rau and to them have been born three sons and a daughter: Robert and Arthur, who are attending a military school at Delafield, Wisconsin; Roland; and Margaret.

Mr. Strehlow has always been an active worker for the benefit and upbuilding of Omaha. He belongs to the Ak-Sar-Ben, to the Omaha Club, to the Commercial Club and to the Carter Lake Club, of which he is the vice president. He is likewise a member of the Building Managers Club. Politically Mr. Strehlow is a democrat and in 1917 was representative from Omaha to the state legislature, serving as chairman of the committee on public institutions. Fraternally he_ is cormected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, and that he maintains a prominent position in musical circles of the city is indicated in the fact that he is the president of the Saengerfest Association, the president of the Omaha Music Fest, the president of various German societies and the president of the Saengerfest Society of the Northwest. In this way, as well as through his business connections, he has become most widely known and his efforts have been a substantial force in promoting the cuUural development of this section of the country along musical lines.

Edward Watrous Nash

Edward Watrous Nash, whose death on the 226. of July, 1905, removed from life's activities one of the foremost men in the country m his line of business, had been for a number of years president of the American Smelting & Refining Company a position to which he had been advanced from a humble clerkship, in which capacity he first became identified with the smelting business. Mr. Nash was born in Middlebury, now Akron, Ohio, in April, 1846, a son of Frederick A and Mary (Watrous) Nash. He was descended on both sides from rugged New England ancestry. The Nash family was founded in America in the middle of the seventeenth century, and later generations have resided in Saratoga county. New York for more than a century and a half. It was from this branch of the

Mr. Nash acquired his early education in the public schools of Akron, Ohio, and later pursued a course in Eastman's Business College of Poughkeepsie, New York. During the latter part of the Civil war, while still in his teens, he ran away from home and joined the army, becoming a sutler's clerk with an Ohio cavalry regiment. He declined to pursue a college education and also declined an appointment to West Point, after which he went to Galveston, Texas, where he became bookkeeper in a cotton house. An outbreak of yellow fever in Galveston caused him to return north, and he then went to Canada, where his father was heavily interested in gold mining properties, which finally proved unprofitable and entailed heavy loss.

On the 2d of August, 1868, Mr. Nash was married in Ste. Marie, Beauce county, Quebec, to Miss Catherine Barbeau, the ceremony being performed by Cardinal Taschereau. At that time the capital of Mr. Nash practically consisted of his energy and determination, and, believing that the west offered better opportunities for one of his limited means, he brought his young bride to Omaha, where they arrived on the 27th of August, 1868. He at once set to work to find employment, but three months passed before he secured a position, and when it came it was a most humble one. Through the influence of Captain Rustin, he obtained work as a truckman for the Union Pacific Railroad Company, where his faithfulness was soon recognized, and he was taken into the office of Mr. Hammond, an official of the road. A year or so later he left the Union Pacific, and accepted a position with the Omaha Smelting Company, a new and small industry, at a salary much less than the railroad company was paying him. Within a few years he was elected secretary and later became treasurer. By rigid economy he saved a few hundred dollars and invested the money in Smelting Company stock. The increase of the business of the company justified his wonderful judgment and ability, and in time he assumed full charge of the business. During his long business career, he acquired interests in mining properties, banks, real estate and street railway properties. In 1899 he was one of a syndicate that purchased a three-fourths interest in the Omaha Motor Railroad Company, of which he was made director and vice president. With the organization of the American Smelting & Refining Company in May, 1898, Mr. Nash was elected president, and was reelected in September, 1900, filling that position until his death, and in that connection he was the highest salaried and admittedly the ablest man in that line in the United States. It seems that throughout his entire business career Mr. Nash never passed an opportunity unheeded. He recognized every chance and utilized it to the best possible advantage. He possesed indefatigable energy as well as insight, and his probity was one of the strong points in his career, he being universally regarded as a man of unquestioned integrity and honor in all business relations. He was a born mathematician and financier. Throughout his life he was a keen observer who read broadly, thought deeply, and, possessing a retentive memory, came in time to be a man of unusually wide information, especially upon everything pertaining to mining interests and financial conditions.

A republican in politics, Mr. Nash was never bound by party ties in the selection of local and state officers, but voted for those men who in his judgment were best qualified for the positions to which they aspired. He never sought nor held political office himself. He was ever a man of domestic tastes, and his devotion to his wife and children was one of his marked characteristics. Of strong character and pleasing personality, he made friends easily and always retained their high regard.

Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Nash : Sadie Virginia, Claire, 'Frederick A. and Esther are now deceased. ' Mary is the wife of L. F. Crofoot, of Omaha, Adeline is the wife of G. W. Myers, of Dubuque, Louis C. is vice president of Burgess-Nash Company, Omaha, and Frances E. is following a musical career as a pianist.

Although retaining his residence in Omaha, Mr. Nash in his later years spent much of his time in New York city. He was identified with no fraternities, but he belonged to many clubs and other social organizations of Omaha, and several of the larger and more important New York clubs. He figured prominently in financial circles in both the east and west, and at his death the deepest regret was felt among his associates in the American metropolis as well as in Omaha. For about three decades he had resided in Omaha, and such was the character of his efforts and ability that he contributed much to its business upbuilding, while at the same time he promoted his individual success and advanced the prosperity of the large interests which he directed.

Charles F. Winter

Charles F. Winter, a building contractor of South Omaha and one of the prominent and influential residents of the city, his eflforts doing much to make of this a modern city in all of its architectural features, was born in Hermann, Gasconade county, Missouri, April 7, 1879, and is a son of Fred and Mary (Rothshafer) Winter, both of whom were natives of Owensville, Missouri, where they were reared and educated. Their marriage was celebrated at Drake, Missouri, and afterward they removed to Hermann, that state, where the father engaged in the teaming and drayage business and also conducted a boarding house, there passing away in 1886, when but thirty-nine years of age. He had survived his wife, who died in Hermann in 1882, at the age of thirty-four. Following her demise he married again and Charles F. Winter was reared by his stepmother, who after his father's death married a second time, so that he grew up under the care of stepparents. He had every advantage as though he were their own child. He attended school in Hermann, Missouri, and when his textbooks were put aside he secured a clerkship in a general store in Hermann, where he remained for two years. His stepfather was a cooper by trade, and after giving up his position in the general ^tore Charles F. Winter worked in the cooperage shop and mastered the business but only continued therein for a short time.

He then came to Omaha in 1898 to atend the exposition, visiting his uncle P. J. Bock, who was then a prominent building contractor and who induced Mr. Wintet to remain in Omaha. He accepted the ofifer to work with Mr. Bock and started in the business at the very bottom, wheeling brick and mortar and doing various other odd jobs, but in the meantime he was making mental note concerning the building business and thoroughly acquainting himself with every phase of the work. He learned very rapidly, showing the utmost willingness to work, and thus he advanced step by step. Mr. Bock had accumulated a considerable fortune and decided to retire from active life, at which time he ofifered to turn over the business that he had established to his nephew, Mr. Winter. The offer was gladly accepted and he continued in the business on his own account. He has met splendid success through his operations as a contractor and builder and has done some important construction work in Omaha, in South Omaha and elsewhere. Most of the big contract work at the stock yards has been executed by him. He has built the horse barn and roundhouse, the Armour office at the exchange and other important work of that character at the stock yards. In fact he has been largely engaged by the packing companies in building operations in South Omaha. He has also done much outside work on public buildings and schoolhouses in Douglas county and other parts of the state.

On the 30th of March, 1905. in Hermann, Missouri, Mr. Winter was married to Miss EmHy C. Baumgaertner, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sam Baumgaertner, of a prominent and well known family of Hermann. Missouri. The four children of this marriage are : Bertha, who was born in South Omaha in April, 1906 ; Hugo

Mr. Winter has always maintained an independent political course. He is well known in Masonic circles, having attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite, and he is also a member of the Mystic Shrine. He became a charter member of Schiller Camp, M. W. A., and has been a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen for the past seventeen years. He also belongs to the German Society and to the Commercial Club of Omaha and his connection with the latter organization indicates his deep interest in the welfare and progress of the city, the extension of its trade relations and the development of its municipal ideals. His life record shows much that is creditable, for through his own efforts he has worked his way upward, winning the success which is now his, while the sterling worth of his character and his public-spirited devotion to the general good have made him one of the leading citizens of Douglas county.

Ernest C. Hodder

Ernest C. Hodder, an Omaha lawyer of prominence, was born in Burin, Newfoundland, March 15, 1873. ^^ son of Richard and Jemima B. (Butler) Hodder, the former a native of England and the mother a native of Newfoundland and of English descent. They were married in Burin, where they retained their residence until 1881, when they came to Omaha, where they spent their remaining days. The father became an employe of the Union Pacific Railroad Company and continued in that service for many years in the mechanical department. He passed away in 1894 at the age of sixty-nine years and was survived until 1910 by his wife, who had reached the advanced age of eighty-one years when called to her final rest.

Ernest C. Hodder was the youngest in their family of ten children, two of whom died young. He passed through consecutive grades to the high school but before his graduation put aside his textbooks in order to take a position in the headquarters of the Union Pacific Railroad Company and later was in the legal department, as docket clerk, there remaining for a year and a half. It w^as iiis work in that connection that aw-akened his interest in the law and he decided to pursue a course in preparation for practice. Accordingly he entered the Bellevue School of Law and was graduated therefrom in 1898, after which he was admitted to practice in all the courts, and opened an office in Omaha. No dreary novitiate awaited him. Almost from the beginning he was accorded a liberal clientage, which has growMi in volume and importance as his powers have developed and expanded. He is today accounted one of the ablest lawyers in his section of the country. He further promoted his efficiency by attending Omaha University. For ten years he was president of the Omaha School of Law, during which time it was consolidated with the University of Omaha. He was a lecturer in the legal department of the University of Omaha for several years. He continued as president of that institution until 1913, when he resigned on account of the pressure of private practice. From 1908 until 1910 inclusive he was lecturer on medical jurisprudence in the Creighton Medical College and for ten years has been city attorney of Benson, a suburb of Omaha. He has likewise been a member of the Douglas County insanity board for four years and attorney for the board. His public offices have been largely of a character in close touch with his professional interests and in the discharge of his duties he has been prompt, capable and efficient.

Aside from his practice Mr. Hodder has become well known in business circles through extensive and important connections. He is now a director of the Benson Ice & Coal Company, a director of the Western Land & Cattle Company, of the State Savings & Loan ^Association of Omaha and of the Farmers

On the 6th of June, 1900, in Council Bhiffs, Mr. Hodder was married to Miss Bessie Huntington, whose parents, Ephraim and Ehzabeth (Lamb) Huntington, were pioneer residents of Council Bluffs, where they have since made their home. Mr. Huntington came to Council Bluff's in 1850, by boat, coming from St. Louis, and Mrs. Huntington was a small child when her parents came overland to Council Bluff's in 1856. Mr. and Airs. Hodder are the parents of the following children, all born in Omaha: Sherman H., born in 1901. died at the age of three years; Ernest C, in 1903; Florence A., in 1905; Charles H.. in 1908; Donald R., in 1910; Esther, in 1913; Bessie C, in 1915.

Mr. Hodder belongs to the Masonic fraternity, in which he has passed through the York Rite to the Knight Templar degree and the Scottish Rite to the thirtysecond degree, and he is a noble of the Mystic Shrine. He belongs also to the Odd Fellows, the Woodmen of the World, the Royal Arcanum and the Tribe of Ben Hur. That he is deeply interested in the welfare and progress of his city is indicated by his connection with the Commercial Club. Self eifort, intelligently directed, has been the foundation upon which he has built his success. His present position as a distinguished lawyer of Omaha is in marked contrast to his condition in boyhood, when he was found delivering the daily papers in the city in order to save enough money to enable him to acquire the education toward which a laudable ambition prompted him. He thereby displayed the elemental strength of his character, which has brought him eventually to the front in prominent relations as a lawyer, as a business man and as a citizen.

William Frazier

The great live stock interests centering in Omaha have drawn to this city many men of marked business ability and enterprise wdio have here operated successfully in their chosen field of labor. WiUiam Frazier is now well known in live stock circles in South Omaha, having come to this city from Ohio. He was born in Newtown of that state. May 2, 1855. His father, John R. Frazier, a native of Indiana, represented an old Maryland family coming of Scotch ancestry, the grandfather, William Frazier, being the founder of the American branch of the family. John R. Frazier was a saddle and harness maker by trade and became an early settler of Marion county, Iowa, where he located in 1870, after which he took up the occupation of farming. In 1872 he removed with his family to Mills county, Iowa, where he died at the age of seventy-one years. He was a stanch republican and an active worker in local party ranks. His wife. Julia (Mitchell) Frazier, is a native of West Chester, Ohio, and of Irish lineage, her parents having crossed the Atlantic from Ireland in a sail boat. Mrs. Frazier is still living at the advanced age of eighty-nine years and makes her home at Silver City, Iowa.

William Frazier was the fourth in a family of five sons and two daughters and to the district school system of Ohio is indebted for the educational opportunities which were afforded him. However, in the school of experience he has learned many of life's most valuable lessons. He spent his youth upon the farm and early became a factor in the live stock business. In the spring of 1881 he removed to Wayne county, Nebraska, casting in his lot with its first settlers. There he engaged in ranching and in the live stock business, which he there followed successfully until March, 1896. when he came to Omaha and entered the live stock commission business, forming a partnership with Gus Johnson, under the firm style of Frazier & Johnson. That association was maintained until the death of Mr. Johnson in August. 1907, since which time Mr. Frazier has conducted the business alone, although still retaining the old firm name. He is today operating very

On the 19th of April, 1882, at Cambridge, Henry county, Illinois, Mr. Frazier was united in marriage to Miss Hester McNay, a native of Illinois and a representative of an old family of that state of Scotch descent. To Mr. and Mrs. Frazier have been born five children, as follows : Josephine Pearl, who is the wife of L. S. Overpeck, of Omaha; Blanche, deceased; William R., who is a stockman identified with the Burt Commission Company of Portland, Oregon ; Ritby L. ; and Beidah. There is also one grandchild, Meredith Overpeck.

Politically ]\Ir. Frazier is a republican and fraternally is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He also belongs to the Commercial Club. He is interested in all those activities and forces which have to do with the welfare and benefit of the community in which he makes his home, and while he has been an active business man, desirous of obtaining legitimate success, he has at the same time never been neglectful of his duties of citizenship nor his obligations to his fellowmen.

Well earned distinction has crowned the eftorts of Dr. Timothy J. Dwyer, who since 1878 has made his home in Nebraska, where for fourteen years he has been actively engaged in practice, now specializing in surgery. He was but a little lad of five years when brought to this state from Central City, ^lichigan, where his birth occurred January 10, 1873. The journey was made wdth the usual prairie schooner, the family constituting one of that great band of immigrants who were claiming the broad prairies of Nebraska for the purposes of civilization. The family, with their animals and supplies, traveled eight hundred miles to their new home, the father securing a tract of land in Holt county, near the town of O'Neill.

There amid the conditions of pioneer farm life Timothy J. Dwyer was reared, early meeting the experiences and hardships incident to settlement on the frontier but always with a smile - a smile characteristic of the man as well as of the boy, for good nature and cheeriness are dominant factors in the life of Dr. Dwyer. He followed the plow and aided in caring for the harvests, but did not find that w'ork giving him ample scope for his ambition and energy, his dominant qualities. He determined at length upon the practice of medicine as a life work and entered Creighton University to prepare for his chosen calling. He completed the regular four years' term and w'as graduated, thus terminating his life as a farm boy of Holt county and entering upon his initial step as a practitioner of Omaha. He became assistant to Dr. C. C. Allison, under whose direction he mastered the fine points of surgery. He had previously been a student under Dr. Allison, who recognized the promise of his pupil and was willing to give him. therefore, the chance for advancement. From the beginning he has remained a close student of the profession, constantly reading and studying along lines that broaden his knowledge and promote his efficiency in general medical and surgical work. His practice came to be one of the largest in general medicine in the city and yet all through the years his preference was for surgery, and when his younger brother. Dr. John R. Dwyer, could relieve him to a large extent of the onerous cares of general practice, he concentrated his attention more and more largely upon surgical work. His practice in that direction has become extensive and of a most important character. He is now surgeon for St. Joseph's Hospital, for St. Catherine's Hospital and for the Presbyterian Hospital of Omaha. He is also professor of surgery at Creighton Medical College and he is special examiner for a number of fraternal societies and insurance companies. He belongs to the Omaha-Douglas County

Dk. Timothy J. Dwyer

Medical Society, the Nebraska State Medical Association, the American Medical Association, the Missouri Valley Medical Association and the Congress of Surgeons. He has a splendidly equipped office, his private consultation rooms bemg busmess workrooms equipped with all the apparatus and instruments needed for efificient surgical work.

On the 7th of January, 1914, in Omaha, Dr. Dwyer was united in marriage to Miss Susan M. Flanagan, by whom he has a daughter, Susan Mary. In religious faith Dr. Dwyer is a Catholic and belongs to the Knights of Columbus. He has membership with the Ak-Sar-Ben and is well known, prominent and popular in club circles, holding membership in the Omaha, Commercial, Rotary, Country, Seymour Lake, Field and Athletic Clubs of Omaha. He is also connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. Of him it has been said : "He is a big man, big and powerful in mind as well as in body, and he is making good in a big way." He is keenly sympathetic, which enables him to understand his patients and bring to bear just that needed stimulus of thought so essential as the supplement to remedies administered professionally.

Anton B. Chapek

Anton B. Chapek. a real estate dealer of Omaha, was born in Moravia, Tune 13, 1869, and was the second in a family, of. deyen children, whose parents were Frank A. and Eleonora (Cydlik) Chapek, who .were also .natives of Moravia. The father, a farmer by occupation, came to AnieriQ^:in 1881 and settled near Weston, Nebraska, where for many years he successfully carried on general agricultural pursuits, but is now living retired in Weston. One of the daughters of the family, Frances, became a member of the order of the Sisters of Mercy of Omaha in their home at Fifteenth and Castellar streets and'is knbwn;'as Sister Mary Dominic. She has been a representative of that order,,foi'.tW!enty.j,SileVert 'years.

Anton B. Chapek was reared in the usual manner of the farm boy and his early life was spent in the country until 1887, when at the age of eighteen he secured a clerkship in a store in Weston owned by the firm of Thomas & Hakel. That he was faithful and capable is indicated in the fact that he was later admitted to a partnership and retained his interest in the business for several years. He afterward established a mercantile business in Touhy, Nebraska, erecting the first building in that town. There he remained for seven years, enjoying a substantial trade, after which he was elected county clerk and removed to Wahoo, the county seat, continuing in the ofiice for four years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Oklahoma and engaged in general merchandising at Lahoma and at Goltry. He was also in business at Enid, Oklahoma, and for time was extensively engaged in coal mining in that part of the country, operating the mines in eastern Oklahoma. He conducted successful business enterprises in that state until the fall of 1914, when he sold his holdings and interests there and returned to Nebraska, establishing his home in Omaha, where he opened an office for the conduct of a real estate, business chances and insurance business, making a specialty of handling farm lands, with which business he became familiar in Oklahoma.

Mr. Chapek has been married twice. At Weston. Nebraska, on the 30th of April, 1889, he wedded Frances Kacirek, a native of Bohemia and a daughter of Frank and Katherine Kacirek. She died in Enid, Oklahoma, in 1909, at the age of thirty-eight years. There were four children by that marriage : Cyrillka. the wife of J. W. O'Connor, of Enid; Ladislav, who died a year and a half prior to his mother's demise; Henry, twenty-two years of age. who is assistant cashier of the Central State Bank of Enid. Oklahoma ; and Mary Agnes, eleven years of age. On the T2th of July, 1909, in Wahoo, Nebraska, Mr. Chapek was married by Father Mathew BoV, who also officiated at his first marriage, to Miss Mary T.

Zejda, a native of Moravia and a daughter of John and Mary Zejda. They have two children: Lily, born in March, 191 1; and Anthony, in 1915. The family home is at No. 1120 Park avenue and is the property of Mr. Chapek.

Politically he is a democrat where national issues are involved but casts an independent local ballot. He belongs to the local council of the Knights of Columbus and while at Enid was treasurer of the council there. He is also connected with the Catholic Workmen, "K. D." in which he has served as state secretary and national treasurer, and he also established a branch of that order at Touhy. His advancement along business lines has been the legitimate result of untiring energy, wisely directed, and of investments judiciously made.

Augustus Frederick Jonas Noah E. Carter

Noah E. Carter, an architect and builder of South Omaha, was born March 13, 1863, in Guernsey county, Ohio, and is a son of Amos Scott and Melinda (Hartley) Carter, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Ohio. In early manhood Amos S. Carter removed to the Buckeye state, where he engaged in farming, and there he met and married Miss Hartley. They continued their residence in Ohio until 1872, when they removed with their family to Iowa, settling on farm land in Pottawattamie county. Later in life the parents became residents of Enid, Oklahoma, where Mr. Carter remained until his death, which occurred in 191 1, when he was seventy-one years of age. His wife is still living there at the age of seventy-two years. In their family were ten children, seven sons and three daughters.

Noah E. Carter, who was the second in order of birth, attended the country schools and afterward worked for his father upon the home farm until he attained his majority, early becoming familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and cultivating the crops. He then left home and learned the carpenter's trade in" Holton, Kansas, completing a three years' apprenticeship. In 1886 he removed to South Omaha and secured employment in a planing mill, where he worked at his trade for seven years. In 1893 he began building operations on his own account and through his skill as an architect and builder has assisted materially in the improvement of South Omaha. Since starting out independently he has erected the Presbyterian church, one of the most attractive specimens of ecclesiastical architecture in South Omaha. He has also built the United Workmen Temple, the West Side School, the Live Stock National Bank building, the Carpenter and Plunkett buildings and many of the fine homes of the twO' cities, together with other prominent public structures. In a word a very liberal and important patronage has been accorded him and his business is now one of large volume.

On the 6th of November, 1885, in Holton, Kansas, occurred the marriage of Mr. Carter and Miss Anna Akins, a daughter of Air. and Mrs. I. I. Akins, who were well known pioneers of Kansas but were natives of Ohio. The father died in Holton in 1916 at the very venerable age of ninety-two years but the mother is still living at the age of seventy-six years. Mr. and Mrs. Carter have become the parents of seven children. Harry E., who was born in South Omaha in 1888 and is a graduate of the South Omaha schools, married Miss Blanche Hendricks. Earl R., born in 1890, was also graduated from the South Omaha schools and a commercial college and is now in business with his father. Beulah A., born in

1892, married Miss Emma Lowry and is engaged in business as a bricklayer. Harold, born in 1894, is a graduate of the Omaha high school and is now in the Omaha National Bank. Cromby, bom in 1900, is connected with the Burns- Hammond Company of Omaha. Dwight L., born in 1903, is attending school.

Mr. Carter is a stalwart champion of republican principles although not an office seeker. He served, however, for three years as a member of the school board of South Omaha and during two years of that time was its president. Fraternally he is connected with the Royal Arcanum and with the Fraternal Order of Eagles and he belongs to the Omaha Commercial Club, in the purposes of which he is deeply interested, giving active aid and cooperation to all its plans and projects which are deemed of worth to the community. His life record shows that he has also been the architect of his own fortunes and that he has builded wisely and well.

James L. Tomanek

James L. Tomanek, an Omaha pharmacist, was born September 4, 1884, in Linwood, Nebraska, a son of the late Frank and Annie (Kominek) Tomanek, who were natives of Moravia. The former came to America about 1874 and first located in Chicago but after a short period removed to Omaha and took up a government claim there, successfully following farming until his death, which occurred in 1903, when he was sixty-three years of age. The lady whom he made his wife came to this country a little later than her husband and they were married in Nebraska.

James L. Tomanek was the fifth of their eleven children. After attending the public schools of Linwood he continued his education in the Fremont Normal School of Nebraska and in the Highland Park College of Des Moines, Iowa. His youthful training was that of the home farm, on which he early became familiar "with the work of plowing, planting and harvesting. When twenty-two years of age he sought a position in the drug store of Dr. Ross, of Linwood, and there received his preliminary training along the line in which he is now engaged. He after^vard entered the drug business on his own account in Linwood and established a growing and profitable trade. Later he sold out and entered other pursuits but also conducted a drug store at Wilsall, Montana. On the 20th of April, 1914, he established his present business at No. 4502 South Twenty-fourth_ street, in Omaha, and in the interim has enjoyed a large and satisfactory trade which is constantly growing, so that he now ranks with the leading pharmacists of South Omaha.